Requirements
The recommended resolution of images is 300 DPI. Higher resolutions are discouraged. Crop excess image to limit extra processing time on large files. Recommended scaling values are no more than 120% and no less than 80%.

Maximum density (DMAX) or total area color (TAC) should not be higher than 340%. Solid four-color blacks should not exceed the 340% total density or go below 300%. We suggest a rich black comprised of 70% cyan, 65% magenta, 65% yellow and 100% key (a total density of 300%) for large black tint areas.

In order to print the text and linework elements with optimum sharpness, we recommend those elements be prepared correctly in the layout application. Any text or linework element created as part of an image (e.g. in Adobe Photoshop) will result in a soft edge on the final printed product. Files must be CMYK. RGB and Spot/Pantone colors should be converted to CMYK before submission.

Text type should be 100% key only. Overprinting is recommended to prevent registration problems on press. If the text covers a varying background and is large enough that the background is visible through the text, the text should be set to knockout.

Large black text that exceeds 36 pt (such as “logo” type) should be a rich black for best print results. Recommended value: 70% cyan, 65% magenta, 65% yellow and 100% key. The guaranteed minimum printing tone is 5%. Any value less than that may not adhere to the paper and could effectively disappear. This applies to each ink individually. For example, a color made of 20,4,6,0 could end up closer to 20,0,6,0. A background of 4,4,4,0 may look good on screen, but may drop off to 0,0,0,0.

Small type must not be finer than 0.004” (equivalent to a .29 point rule) at the thinnest part of the character, and should be a solid 100% tone to achieve the best possible printed result. Sans-serif fonts are recommended for small type. Tinted small type is not advisable; however, if used in the design, tinted small type should be no finer than 0.007” (equivalent to a 0.5 point rule) at the thinnest part of the character to achieve the best possible printed result. Tinted small type that is less than 0.007” (0.5 point) at the thinnest part of the character may not reproduce as well as expected with the Gravure process. When type is overprinting, the background should be no heavier than 30% in any one color, and no more than 90% total in all four colors for legibility.

Reverse type should use dominant color (usually 70% or more) for shape of letters. Where practical, and not detrimental to the appearance of the image, make the type in subordinate colors slightly larger to minimize register problems on the production press. Small type and fine serifs should not be used for reverse type. The surrounding tone must be dark enough to ensure legibility.

The minimum printing tone for Gravure is 5%. Less than 5% is not guaranteed to print and should not be used in the build of tinted type. A minimum of 10% tone is recommended in the build of small tinted text. Not following these guidelines could result in unfavorable reproduction on Gravure Presses. NYT will not be responsible for print quality problems caused by non-conformance to these recommendations.

Questions
For questions regarding color magazine specifications, email magads@nytimes.com or call (717) 293-2096 to speak to a New York Times Magazine advertising representative.